This morning I was sitting outside, enjoying the nice break from the heat. As I looked across the yard, I noticed a dead branch from an oak tree had fallen into some dark green, healthy fern bushes. I made a mental note to pick it up later as I went back inside and didn’t think too much about it after that. As I made a list in my head of things I needed to do today, I decided to go inside. Knowing my hands would be full, I contemplated leaving that branch. That’s when I started thinking a little more about it.
What would happen if I left that branch? Today, nothing. It’s totally fine and not really hurting anything. What about if it stays tomorrow, all weekend, or into the next week? Eventually, those ferns it’s fallen on will not get the proper sunlight, the branch will begin to “make a dent” in the leaves and eventually cut off circulation to the plant or break the branches. There isn’t anything necessarily wrong with the branch staying there at the moment. But long-term, it will affect the plant and possibly bring death to it.
I started to think about this principle in relation to my life. What things aren’t necessarily bad right now, but won’t promote growth in my future? Are there attitudes, unforgiveness, anger, habits, procrastination, etc. that maybe don’t seem to be affecting me at this moment, but if I let it linger, will bring death? Do we overlook things in our lives because, “it’s not hurting right now” and “I can deal with it later” when in reality, there’s a good chance it’s going to affect our growth, our testimony, and our walk with the Lord?
James 1:21-27
Colossians 3:8-17
Ephesians 4:20-5:2
In Ephesians (reference above) Paul instructs us to not walk as the world (Gentiles) walk, to be different and to “put off” the things of this world and walk new, in righteousness and holiness because of Who’s we are. That is an instruction for every moment and every day of our lives. It’s not just a good chapter to read or a nice sentiment to try out only on Sunday mornings. We must strive for righteousness and holiness in our daily lives. However, without Christ, that’s not possible. We must make Him a priority. We must seek His will and His Kingdom, allowing Him to lead and direct our steps. Otherwise, we’re just calling ourselves Christians and living this out in name only, but not actually living life and walking as followers of Christ.
What is this “thing” for you? What “branch” has fallen in your life and isn’t necessarily a “sin” or “bad thing”, but over time, if left alone, will lead to death? Can we sit still and be honest with ourselves? Once we identify this area of our lives, are we willing to do the hard work, to start the hard process of “picking up that branch” and making changes? Let’s spend some time with the Lord today and ask Him what things we need to deal with today. What “branches” have fallen into healthy areas of our lives that are cutting off circulation? Instead of “dealing with it later” because it’s hard and uncomfortable, let’s deal with it now.
My heart is for the bride of Christ to walk reverently, holy, and righteously before our King. I hope this thought challenges you as it did me. Procrastination can be a topic that we brush past and the “busyness” of life can easily become and excuse for not dealing with the seemingly little things we allow into our lives that we just want to “deal with later”.
Get in the Word, friends. Let the Lord challenge and change you.